Atlanta United will look to build on the momentum from its spirited midweek comeback when the Five Stripes visit the New England Revolution on Saturday night.
After rallying from a two-goal deficit to earn a 2-2 draw against Charlotte FC, head coach Tata Martino has opted for continuity, making only two changes to the starting lineup for the 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff at Gillette Stadium.
Although Martino will miss the match due to a yellow card suspension, his squad heads into another important Eastern Conference contest with renewed confidence after one of its strongest second-half performances of the season.
Two Changes Highlight Defensive Adjustments
The biggest changes come in defense.
Matt Edwards returns from injury to reclaim the right-back position, replacing the suspended Tomás Jacob, while Stian Gregersen returns to the starting lineup alongside new signing Júnior Alonso in central defense.
Rounding out the back four is Elías Báez, who scored his first Atlanta United goal during Wednesday’s comeback, and goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos, fresh off an outstanding eight-save performance against Charlotte FC.
Hoyos’ display kept Atlanta within striking distance before the club mounted its second-half rally, and he’ll once again be counted on against a dangerous Revolution attack.
Midfield Stability Continues
Atlanta sticks with the midfield trio of Will Reilly, Tristan Muyumba, and Cooper Sanchez despite the quick turnaround between matches.
The group logged heavy minutes against Charlotte but impressed with its energy and ball movement, helping Atlanta dominate large portions of the second half.
Eighteen-year-old Homegrown midfielder Cooper Sanchez continues his impressive rookie campaign, making his 15th MLS start before departing to join the United States U-19 National Team for the Concacaf U-20 Championship.
Almirón Closing in on Club History
Much of the attention once again falls on captain Miguel Almirón, who scored the equalizer against Charlotte and continues to rediscover his form following international duty with Paraguay.
The club legend enters Saturday’s match needing just one more goal to become the first player in Atlanta United history to record 30 goals and 30 assists during his time with the Five Stripes.
Almirón will once again partner with Alexey Miranchuk and Fafa Picault in an attack that has shown increasing fluidity over recent weeks.
Miranchuk has frequently drifted into a false-nine role, allowing both Almirón and Picault to interchange across the front line.
Young Talent Remains Part of Matchday Squad
Atlanta United continues to reward its young talent.
Arif Kovac, Toto Majub, and Ignacio Suarez-Couri all remain available off the bench after signing Short-Term Agreements earlier this week.
Suarez-Couri made his MLS debut during Wednesday’s draw, while Kovac arrives after leading MLS NEXT Pro’s Golden Boot race with Atlanta United 2.
Their inclusion reflects the club’s growing emphasis on developing academy and second-team players while navigating injuries throughout the squad.
Atlanta United Starting XI
Starting XI:
Lucas Hoyos; Matt Edwards, Stian Gregersen, Júnior Alonso, Elías Báez; Will Reilly, Tristan Muyumba, Cooper Sanchez; Alexey Miranchuk, Miguel Almirón (Captain), Fafa Picault.
Available Substitutes:
Jayden Hibbert, Ronald Hernández, Enea Mihaj, Toto Majub, Adrian Gill, Ignacio Suarez-Couri, Luke Brennan, Cayman Togashi, Arif Kovac.
What This Means
Atlanta United appears to be finding greater consistency despite a difficult season. The encouraging second-half display against Charlotte, combined with the integration of experienced defender Júnior Alonso and the continued emergence of Homegrown players, gives the Five Stripes reason for optimism.
A positive result in Foxborough would provide another boost as Atlanta continues searching for momentum during the second half of the MLS campaign.
Related AtlantaSoccer.News Stories
- Atlanta United Battles Back to Earn Dramatic 2-2 Draw at Charlotte FC
https://atlantasoccer.news/atlanta-united-battles-back-to-earn-dramatic-2-2-draw-at-charlotte-fc/ - Atlanta United Signs Arif Kovac, Toto Majub and Ignacio Suarez-Couri to Short-Term Agreements
https://atlantasoccer.news/atlanta-united-signs-arif-kovac-toto-majub-and-ignacio-suarez-couri-to-short-term-agreements/ - Atlanta United Introduces Veteran Defenders Júnior Alonso and Paulo Díaz
https://atlantasoccer.news/atlanta-united-introduces-veteran-defenders-junior-alonso-and-paulo-diaz/ - Jay Fortune Ruled Out 3–4 Weeks with Hamstring Injury
https://atlantasoccer.news/jay-fortune-ruled-out-3-4-weeks-with-hamstring-injury/ - Atlanta United 2 Moves Final Six Home Matches to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground
https://atlantasoccer.news/atlanta-united-2-moves-final-six-home-matches-to-childrens-healthcare-of-atlanta-training-ground/
Join the Conversation
Can Atlanta United build on its comeback against Charlotte and take three points on the road against New England? Will Miguel Almirón make club history by becoming the first Five Stripe with 30 goals and 30 assists? Share your predictions in the comments below!
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.